Jan Glidewell
Even ardent ex-smoker isn't sure how to vote
Years ago the St. Petersburg Times began cracking down on smokers.

Man charged with stabbing another in neck
The attack took place during an argument near the victim's home, authorities said.

Stolen signs stir up race for District 5
Sen. Ginny Brown-Waite's husband and an employee's husband are caught making off with Karen Thurman signs.

Microbes to battle muck in pond
A physicist will use Cooter Pond in Inverness as his lab, stirring in a muck-eating substance he invented.

State unveils plan for disaster at dam
A levee would be built to prevent a surge of water from flooding Inglis and Yankeetown. Some residents aren't convinced.

Greg Hamilton
Parting words for Crystal River city manager
EDITOR'S NOTE: Phil Lilly's one-year tenure as Crystal River city manager officially ends today. Let's listen in on his exit interview.

Union asks district for $1-per-hour pay bump
INVERNESS -- During contract negotiations Thursday, Citrus Essential Support Personnel, the union that represents the school district's aides, clerks and secretaries, asked that its members receive $1-per-hour pay increases and a series of other compensation enhancements.

Orchestra adds to the music mix
There are a variety of musical styles to choose from in coming weeks, from classical, to contemporary Christian to folk musicians.

Murder mystery brings death with a smile
Agatha Christie meets Clue in an over-the-top play, which includes in its cast the Crystal River police chief in drag.

This week
BEWITCHING: The romantic comedy Bell, Book and Candle continues this weekend at the Citrus County Art League, 2644 N Annapolis Ave., Hernando. The play is about a witch who casts a spell on a suitor. Show times are 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday. Matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Box office hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 746-7606.

Pirates recovering from rough start
RECORD: 3-2.

Giving proper credit
The Citrus chain is all the rage. Before the season, each player was given a link to symbolize unity. And low and behold, the Hurricanes are 5-0 for the first time since 1994. But does the chain deserve credit? Actually, we have a different theory. In August, Times staff writer/jock extreme Keith Niebuhr joined the 'Canes for a day of practice. He worked under the watchful eye of head coach Larry Bishop, ran plays with R.J. Cobb and got pointers from Keith Zigler. Two months later, Bishop is off to his best start as a coach, Cobb has rushed for more than 100 yards every week and Zigler booted a winning 32-yard field goal last week. Coincidence? No chance. Niebuhr, by the way, was born in July 1972 in a Miami hospital two blocks from the Orange Bowl. That fall, the Dolphins went unbeaten. Eighteen years later, he enrolled at the University of Florida, where -- after years of mediocrity -- the Gators won their first conference title the following fall. Need further proof of the Niebuhr karma? He never met Bob Dole or O.J. Simpson.

Panthers suffering from rash of injuries
RECORD: 3-2.

Lecanto star will not play
LECANTO -- Lecanto tailback Jarvis Patterson, the county's leading rusher, will miss tonight's game against Hernando because of a sore back.

'Canes are improved across the board
RECORD: 5-0.

Pride is taking charge
This year's Crystal River players don't want to be the ones who let the team's tradition falter.

Citrus digest
Rain delays cranes' flight